COAL TOWNSHIP - The following memorials were presented to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in February and March:

Warren Altomare by Diane Altomare and family.

Juls Ardan by Frank and Cheryl Anonia, Mary Ann Balonis, Julia Bartol, Joseph and Judy Brokus and family, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carl, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ecker and son, Constance Fabrizio, Catherine Fenix, Mary Theresa Gidaro, girls at Massers Restaurant, Angela Hartzel, Maria Kaminski, Sarah Kanaskie, Robert and Joan Kidron, Robert and Mary Ann Levins, Kathryn McBride, Peggy and Mary McGee, Mr, and Mrs. John McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Mirarchi, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Mulhall, Theresa Olcese, Rita Pizzoli, Judy Polites, Dennis and Barbara Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sandri, Eleanor and Thomas Shervinskie, Pearl Swank, Margaret Thomas, Florence Yodzio and Patricia Zalinski.

John R. Bainbridge by Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Clara Bartlinski by Mr. and Mrs. Leo Mulhall.

Charles Bartol by Pat and Jack Dabulis.

Lawrence J. Bartol by Bartol family.

Mary Jane Bradley by Terrence and Deborah Gownley, Lee Anne Kaminski, Jeffrey and Jane Robinson, John and Mary Teresa Ryniak, George J. Tucci Sr., Robert and Donna Veach.

Catherine E. Brennan by John Witkowski.

Jean T. Brokus by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel, Theresa Fleming,

George Broscious by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski.

Carol Andrews Brown by Arlene Andrews, Mark S. and Mary E. Andrews, Judy Polites.

Virginia M. Cheddar by Nancy and Dan Kerris.

Peter Cherapan by Helen Nolter.

William Conroy by Leo and Mary Mulhall.

Nellie Datsko by Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Ann M. Deptula by Mary Ann Labosky Levins, Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Robert Derk by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski.

Rosemary Dougherty by Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Roma.

Charles W. Finn by Catherine Finn Peckne.

Mary Theresa Frye by Nancy and Dan Kerris.

Caroline Giardi by Angela Hartzel.

Bernard Gidaro by Knights of Columbus 628.

James J. Glennon by Arlene Andrews, Phyllis Barrett, Michael W. Cipolletti, Tom and Ann Foy, Peggy Glennon and family, James Henderson, R. Karlin Hoover, John and Michele Imszennik, Barb Kelley, Dennis and Cheryl Meek, William and Janice Miner, Don and Marian Myers, Thomas and Jean Olcese, Joan Pearson, Loretta Quinn, Darrin and Debra Silbaugh, Ann Slodysko, Tanya Van Vechten.

Dr. Timothy Glennon by Esther Ardan, Angela Hartzel.

Sandra Grabuski by Alice O'Donnell.

April Louise Hauer by Elizabeth Gilger and family.

The Rev. Theodore Hesburg, C.S.C. by Edward and Tracey Madden.

Dr. Courtney Jones by Michael and Rita Timco.

Joan M. Kachnoskie by Mr. and Mrs. Gene Garancheski.

Michael Katch by Helen Nolter.

Lucy Kemper by Lee Anne Kaminski.

Dorothy Lamey by Ron and Christine Anderson, Eleanor and Thomas Shervinskie.

John Louis Lawrence by Christine Hudson, Dennis and Barbara Reiprish.

Kristin MacFarland by Deacon Martin McCarthy, OLOL administration and faculty.

Russell Macheski by Knights of Columbus 628.

Bertilla Maciejewski by Mary Ann Balonis, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Klock, Janet and Joey Parker.

Russell Marcheski by Elizabeth Reiprish and family.

Josephine A. Markle by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski.

Constance Martini by Jim Flanagan, Barbara Lizzul, Chet and Marion Stesney, Dennis and Barbara Reiprish.

Anthony Musso by Nancy and Dan Kerris.

Victor Rosini by IT finance staff of Geisinger System.

Lorraine Wolfe Shubeck by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel and family.

Eleanor Shulski by Mary Ann Labosky Levins.

Arthur Sorrentino by Theresa Olcese.

Julia Staniszewski by Mary Ann Balonis, Laura Zevetski and family.

Anne Kelley Stonik by Jim and Patti Kelley and family.

Licia Tippett by Chris and Karen Dutchess.

Albert Varano by Elizabeth Reiprish and family.

Robert Walsleben by Chris and Karen Dutchess.

John S. Woytowich by John and Joanne McKay.

Richard Yancoskie by Bob and Mary Ann Levins, Dennis and Barbara Reiprish.

Donald Zak by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski.

Theresa Visnoski Zukus by Ellen Allen, Isabell Amarose, Daniel J. and Denise Brown, John W. and Phyllis Crispen, Endless Mountains Health Systems, Patrick W. and Virginia Johnson, Drew and Beth Krushinski, Sylvia Kapushinski, John and Joanne McKay, Aldo Mirarchi.

Kathleen Zyla by Al and Nancy Erdman, Connie Fabrizio, John and Diane Fabrizio, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski, Kevin and Danelle Hauer and boys, Barry and Donna Lentz, Edward and Tracey Madden, Pat and Paul Metrocavage, Leo and Mary Mulhall, Maria and Jeff Pancher and family, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Dan Shebelski, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster.

LEWISBERRY - Dr. Jeffery J. Dunkelberger, of Lewisberry, was re-elected speaker of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) House of Delegates during POMA's 107th annual clinical assembly held April 29 to May 2 at the Radisson Valley Forge Event Center in King of Prussia.

POMA is a statewide organization for physicians holding the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

Dunkelberger, a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, is a son of Regina Dunkelberger, of Mount Carmel, and the late Ronald Dunkelberger.

Board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, Dunkelberger is a family physician at Family Practice Center, RedCedar Office, Lewisberry, and a team physician for East Pennsboro Area School District.

A member of the POMA board of trustees, he serves as a delegate to the POMA and the American Osteopathic Association. He also is a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Dunkelberger is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed an internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, and a family medicine residency at Community General Osteopathic Hospital, now PinnacleHealth Community Campus, Harrisburg.

Headquartered in Harrisburg, POMA is the official voice for over 8,000 licensed osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania.

SHAMOKIN - Motherhood can be a beautiful, rewarding experience when children are well behaved.

But when a child misbehaves, motherhood can turn into a frustrating nightmare.

For the 16-year-old son of "Baltimore Mom" Toya Graham, misbehaving meant defying her orders to stay away from the April 25 riots.

When Graham found him, she acted swiftly, striking him on the head, grabbing him by the shoulder and pulling him away from the scene.

Graham received praise for her action, which was caught on camera and shared widely across the Internet. A poll by The News-Item showed strong support for Graham's method of bringing her son under control.

Area child development experts, however, voiced concerns over Graham's use of corporal punishment.

"In terms of disciplining strategies, we recommend across all ages not harming a child," said Dr. Heather Hoover, a pediatric psychologist who runs parenting groups at Geisinger Medical Center. "It simply is not logical to try to teach a child not to be aggressive by using aggressive behavior because children learn from what they see and what parents do more than anything."

Carla Clark, supervisor of the Northumberland County Family Center, Stonington, echoed Hoover's sentiments.

"With her frustration level, I understand why (Graham) responded that way," said Clark, "but she could have been a little more calm."

Classes free to all

The Family Center, run by Northumberland County Children and Youth Services, offers a range of parents classes free of charge to anyone looking for help raising children.

When providing instruction on discipline, Clark said, the Family Center advises against the use of any corporal punishment. Instead, parents are encouraged to use methods like a timeout or "one, two, three, magic," where a parent counts to three slowly to allow the child to stop the bad behavior before invoking punishment like the loss of a privilege.

Hoover acknowledged a misbehaving child can elevate emotions. She recommended timeouts as a way to provide a cooling off period for both the child and the adult.

"The parents get a break to cool off, take some deep breaths and help calm themselves down," she said.

Ruby Michetti, curriculum coordinator at the Shamokin Area School District, said corporal punishment leads to fear while positive reinforcement is more effective.

"That's why spanking just isn't allowed in the school anymore," she said. "We feel we're helping raise children."

Michetti has seen the effects of various styles of disciplining through her years at the district. She said in recent years caretakers have faced increasing distractions like jobs, entertainment and socialization.

"Time is the key component," she said.

Michetti recommended rewarding children for good behavior by spending more time with them instead of material prizes. Activities like playing a game or going to the park provide children with the attention and approval they crave, reinforcing their good behavior and creating an opportunity for caregivers to connect with children.

At the Family Center, a special room with a one-way mirror allows staff to observe parents with their children. People who lacked the presence of caregivers in their own lives often struggle with basic interactions like playing with their own children, said Clark. Staff members give instruction to help parents learn to build better relationships with kids, she said.

Clark said the program also seeks to align parents two different discipline styles. Children with one parent who is permissive and one who is restrictive can become confused and frustrated, she said.

"They don't know what to expect," she said.

Children quickly recognize how to play one parent against the other, said Michetti, making discipline more difficult.

"Children learn to be manipulative at a very young age," she said.

Michetti and Clark agreed that the best parenting begins with consistent expectations and consequences from an early age.

"It all goes from day one and how you respond," said Clark. "The earlier you set those guidelines and how you want to structure, the better off you are."

She advised adults caring for children who are not their own, such as babysitters, to establish rules as soon as possible. The rules should be similar to what the children's parents enforce, she said, and tailored to a child's individual needs.

Once a child is older, Clark said, fixing bad behavior becomes much more difficult.

"It's really hard. You have to work really hard at that age," she said. She encouraged parents looking to reconnect with older children to use support systems of trusted family members and friends.

Hoover said teenagers respond to the same type of positive reinforcement as younger children, but the rewards should be adjusted to fit the age group. A common reaction to a misbehaving teenager is taking away a cell phone, then rewarding the teenager for good behavior by providing the cell phone, she said.

Parents of teenagers also need to find a balance between supervising their children while providing independence, said Hoover. She noted Graham had done an excellent job in keeping tabs on her son.

"The positive aspect of that is it demonstrates the parent was involved in monitoring his whereabouts and activities," she said.

Clark cautioned that parents now have an additional task of monitoring children's online activities. She recommended placing the computer in a common area and knowing all account passwords. Parents can also download apps that forward text messages from their children's phones to their own or safeguard their computers from certain content, she said.

Technology is also helping parents promote good behavior patterns, Hoover said.

"There are behavior modification charts online that they're able to do using positive reinforcement," she said. "(And) more potential from this generation to learn from sources electronically."

Michetti encouraged families to look to traditions to build good connections.

"If I can suggest anything to parents: turn the TV off in the home," she said. "Instead do puzzles, read books together, take a walk, do family actives. That begins the journey to developing close family relationships that are filled with love and trust."

Envirothon set for Tuesday

WASHINGTONVILLE - The conservation districts of Northumberland, Snyder, Columbia, Montour, and Union counties will sponsor the 17th annual Susquehanna Valley Middle School Envirothon Tuesday.

Approximately 130 seventh- and eighth-grade students from area schools will compete at the PPL Montour Preserve in Washingtonville. The program will begin at 8:55 a.m. and conclude at 1:15 p.m. with an awards presentation. This educational event will test the students' knowledge of soils, aquatics, forestry and wildlife at various stations.

Prior to taking each station's test, an educational presentation is given to reinforce awareness of the study materials. A post test review will identify what was tested in each of the study areas. A discovery station will provide a non-testing opportunity for attendees to sit back and learn and will be led by Jon Beam, assistant director for the Montour Area Recreation Commission.

The top scoring teams will be recognized along with the highest scoring team at each station.

A variety of representatives from the PA Bureau of Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, PA Game Commission and county Conservation Districts provide the tests and assistance at each station. The Envirothon program is designed to heighten environmental awareness in each student, test their knowledge and understanding of natural resource issues, and produce environmentally responsible adults. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Envirothon.

Today is Mother's Day. Do something special for your mom; she's always been there for you.

Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. (HHTLC) is a therapeutic horseback riding program is where the "magic" of horses helps to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Located outside New Ringgold, it's a unique combination of recreation, therapy and learning, using the horse to obtain results that cannot be obtained in a normal clinic setting.

In order for many of our participants to ride, they need a volunteer to lead their horse and someone to walk along on each side of the horse. This is a total of three volunteers per rider. Also, for the riders who are physically able, their volunteers must assist them with grooming and saddling their horse in preparation for riding.

Their next eight-week series will be in July with training in June. If you'd like to join the HHTLC family of volunteers, contact Peggy at 570-325-3566 or email to Elaine at elshhtlc1@gmail.com. Check out their website at www.horsesandhorizons.org.

Did you know that your blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people? Cancer and surgical patients, premature babies and others will have the gift of life through your generosity. There are several blood drives this week. Bethesda EC church in Schuylkill Haven will host Tuesday, Jerusalem Church in Schuylkill Haven and the Simon Kramer Institute in New Philadelphia will sponsor Thursday. Everyone in general good health who weighs at least 110 pounds is encouraged to donate.

A dog-friendly trek will take place Saturday. The difficult seven-mile Wolf Creek Falls Hike meets in the Saint Clair Wal-Mart parking lot. Limited space and registration required by calling Robin at 570-467-2506. Bring your lunch.

The Schuylkill Haven Public Library will hold its monthly bake sale from 9 a.m. to sell-out Saturday.

"Exercise: What is Right for Me?" a Healthy Haven Summer Seminar, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Lori's Angels in Schuylkill Haven. The public is encouraged to attend this free event.

A city-wide yard sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Union Station and throughout the city. A Chinese auction will be featured at the Union Station with drawings Saturday. The shop and drop will be at City Hall Friday.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact info for those specific opportunities and find other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Call us at 570-628-1426 or e-mail jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.

Disaster action team member

Time: As needed and available.

Responsibility: Become trained to provide timely response after a disaster to help those affected. Training and supervision by the American Red Cross.

Skills: Age 55 and above. Training required.

Location: Throughout Schuylkill County

Contact: Carol Bowen, RSVP of Schuylkill County, 570-622-3103.

Horseback riding volunteers

Times: Monday and Wednesday evenings, May through October.

Responsibility: Help therapeutic riding program by assisting with preparation of riding ring and equipment for riding, groom and lead horses to lesson area or adjacent fields, clean tack, paint/repair fences, tend to the memorial garden and other miscellaneous tasks. Choose assignment and availability.

Skills: Ability to perform that chore.

Location: Horses and Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center, New Ringgold.

Contact: Peggy Cicchinelli at 570-325-3566.

Drivers

Times: When needed and available. Could be once per month.

Responsibility: Drive a consumer to and from an out of county medical appointment.

Mileage reimbursement available. Choose an area you'd like to cover.

Skills: Reliable vehicle and proof of valid driver's license and vehicle insurance. Criminal and Childline background clearance fees reimbursed upon acceptance into program. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Location: Out of county.

Contact: This office at 570-628-1426.

This week, you have an opportunity to see five of Earth's closest neighboring planets, from Mercury to Saturn, in the evening sky.

Venus

Without a doubt, the easiest planet to see is Venus. Since right around Christmas, Venus has been dominating the lower western sky. In fact, it pops out well before the end of evening twilight. You can't miss it. It's by far the brightest star-like object in the heavens, less than 90 million miles away.

It's also the closest planet to our Earth right now. It's so bright because of its thick and very reflective cloud cover that bounces a lot of sunlight in our direction. The clouds surrounding Venus are made up of a corrosive sulfuric acid. You wouldn't want to float around in those clouds for too long.

As bright as Venus is, it's really boring through binoculars or a telescope. It's just a super bright light. The only really interesting thing you'll observe over the course of several months is that Venus goes through phases just like our moon. This happens because the angle between Earth, Venus and the sun changes as both planets orbit our home star. Right now, Venus resembles a football shaped gibbous moon.

Mercury

The next planet to look for is Mercury, the closest planet to the sun. Because of that proximity, Mercury is always found very close to the sun in our sky as well. About a half hour after sunset, start looking for Mercury fairly close to the western horizon. You can use Venus to find it. Mercury will be next brightest star-like object you'll see to the lower right of Venus. Hold out your fist at arm's length. Mercury will be just over two of your fist-widths at arm's length to the lower right of Venus. You'll probably see it easily with the naked eye, although binoculars will help. Mercury doesn't have a cloud cover, but since it's so small and so close to the horizon, it will just resemble a fuzzy little star.

Even closer to the horizon it's possible to find Mars, about a half hour after sunset. This will be your biggest observing challenge by far. Mars will be just above the horizon, about a fist-width to the lower right of Mercury. With a pair of binoculars, scan just above the horizon in that general area and see if you can spot a very fuzzy reddish star. Mars is well over 200 million miles from Earth right now.

Jupiter

Jupiter is one of the best planets to see in the evening sky right now. It's the second brightest star-like object in the evening sky, starting out high in the southwest. The largest planet in our solar system, basically a giant ball of hydrogen and helium gas, is now just under 500 million miles away. Jupiter, at 88,000 miles in diameter, is so large that if it were hollow, you could fill it up with more than 1,100 Earths.

Through even a small telescope, you can spot at least some of the brighter cloudbands made of sulfur, ammonia, methane and other gases that encircle the gargantuan planet. You can also easily spot up to four of Jupiter's largest moons that resemble tiny little stars. They circle the big guy of the solar system in periods of two to seventeen days. Every night, they're in different positions on either side of the planet. Sometimes you can't see them all because one or more may be behind the planet or camouflaged directly in front of it.

Saturn

Around 10:30 to 11 p.m., look in the low southeast sky for another wonderful planet that's on the rise. It's Saturn, the ringed wonder of our solar system. Saturn is the brightest star-like object in that part of the sky. Most people, including yours truly, think it's the best thing you can see through a telescope, even a small one. You can clearly see the ring system made up of billions and billions of ice covered rocks that range in size from pebbles to possibly as big as school buses. Through your telescope, you may even see some of Saturn's many moons. To get the best view of Saturn through your scope, it's best to wait until after midnight if you can. By then, the planet will be higher above the southeast horizon and you won't have as much of Earth's blurring atmosphere in the way.

Saturn is just about at its closest distance to the Earth right now at a little over 825 million miles away, and will be available in our night sky all summer long. I'll have a lot more on Saturn in the coming weeks.

Pluto

I want to bring up Pluto as long as I'm talking planets this week. Pluto is no longer considered a planet by astronomers, but rather a minor or dwarf planet. This downgrading of Pluto took place in 2006. Don't feel too sorry for Pluto though because it will be getting a lot of attention this summer when NASA'S New Horizon probe passes within 120,000 miles of the former planet July 14. New Horizons is already sending back the first color images of Pluto ever. You can see them and keep up with the progress of the mission at www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html

(Lynch is an amateur astronomer and is author of the book, "Stars, a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations." Contact him at mikewlynch@comcast.net.)

Marriage licenses

Cleveland George Parks Jr. to Stephanie Ann Ostrander, both of 249 W. Saylor St., Mount Carmel. Issued May 7.

Dale Guy Maurer to Alicia Catherine Batts, both of 561 Flying Eagle Road, Dalmatia. Issued May 9.

Brian Joseph Romanoskie to Denise Marie Lucas, both of 121 N. Rock St., Shamokin. Issued May 9.

James Edward Rafter III to Brittney Nicole Yost, both of 315 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel. To be issued May 11.

Gregory Seth Hoffman, of 1853 Upper Road, Shamokin, to Taylor Rose Shutt, of 679 Route 487, Elysburg. To be issued May 11.

Daniel Webster Zartman, of 1500 Route 61, Sunbury, to Olivia Rebuck Fladmark, of 1141 Saw Mill Road, Sunbury. To be issued May 11.

Eric Robert Satteson to Ashley Lynn Strouse, both of 605 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin. To be issued May 11.

Edward Levi Hockenbrocht to Debra Lee Girton, both of 246 Spruce St., Sunbury. To be issued May 11.

Property transfers

Melissa E. Schnars, Melissa E. DeSantis to Edmund G. and Lenore E. Hildebrand, property in Riverside, $1.

April D. Kline, April D. Cornell, April D. and Brett A. Campbell to April D. and Brett A. Campbell, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Renee L. Swope, Renee L. and Randy L. Foulds to Yedid Management Group LLC, property in Sunbury, $45,000.

David A. Permar Jr., Judy G. Permar to David A. Permar Jr., Judith G. Permar, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Catawissa Wood and Components Inc. to Elysburg GD LLC, property in Ralpho Township, $240,000.

CLDCV LLC to Magda Ledesma, property in Shamokin, $800.

Thomas B. and Michelle A. Gallagher to Erik M. Leschinsky, Deanna R. Bushinski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $24,000.

Donald A. Sr. and Diane M. Ciocco to Donald A. Sr., Diane M. and Edward R. Ciocco, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Tara C. Young, Daniel Ramos to MK & MK Holdings Inc., property in Shamokin, $72,000.

Jason D. Finlan to Nicole M. Papp, property in Kulpmont, $46,640.

Deanna M. Rozinski to Jason D. Shinskie, property in Coal Township, $1.

Mary Paladin Cassidy to Dina M. Patsiavos, Jeremy J. Graham, property in Riverside, $137,500.

Janet Fetterman to Regency Finance Co., property in Sunbury, $1.

Jason D. and Brenda K. Brosious to Brian E. Stahl, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Matthew C. and Christine A. Gennaria to Dennis A. Kodack Jr., property in Shamokin, $500.

Lois L. Stettler to Brian S. and Deborah L. Stettler, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Janet F. Mincemoyer to George R. and Shirley A. Kline, property in Shamokin Township, $22,500.

Keith and Deena R. Erdman, Donna J. Remetta, Donna J. Brokenshire, Frank P. Remetta, Barbara Ann Erdman to Jenna M. Brokenshire, property in Ralpho Township, $150,000.

Jack C. and Patricia A. Shultz to FSM Realty LLC, property in Sunbury, $100,000.

Du-Rite LLC to John J. and Nancy A. Lasko, property in Ralpho Township, $165,000.

Henry A. (Yanik) Yanick estate, Gerard Koveleski, Charles Koveleski to Charles and Gerard Koveleski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Apartments and Acquisitions LP to Brody Properties LP, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Robert C. and Mary J. Kaminsky to Karen M. Beisel, property in Kulpmont, $1.

Florence I. Heitzman to Donald L. and Virginia L. Orner, property in Shamokin, $2,000.

JP Homes Inc. of Maple Glen PA to Philip D. Weiss, property in Shamokin, $5,000.

NHS III Properties LLC to 1337 Holdings LLC, property in Sunbury, $1.

Equity Path LLC to Lydia Walter, property in Mount Carmel, $13,900.

Paul B. and Sandra M. Whary to Bryan Primerano, property in East Cameron Township, $1.

Charles J. Cooper estate, Richard H. Cooper, Gregory M. Berbert to Franklin and Cynthia J. Manley, property in Coal Township, $25,000.

Lynn L. and Carol C. Hoagland to Joshua D. and Carina N. Hoagland, property in Ralpho Township, $62,000.

Jeffrey D. Long to Louis A. Garulle Jr., property in Shamokin, $750.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Elks student of the month is senior Hannah Fetterolf, a daughter of Ken and Laurie Beth Fetterolf, of Mount Carmel. Hannah is in chorus, yearbook, and had a lead role in the musical the past three years. She is also in the Tech Ed club and chemistry club. She is a previous Elks award winner and is in the National Honor Society. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys singing, playing piano, babysitting and painting her nails. Her future plans are to pursue a career in nail design.

Junior student of the month recipient is Chantelle Skavery, a daughter of Theresa and Gerald Skavery, of Mount Carmel. Chantelle is on the varsity track, cross country, and cheerleading teams and also participates in the art club, FBLA, FNA, and had roles in the past three school musicals. She is on the distinguished honor roll, is a previous Elks award winner, and was a fifth-place medalist for districts in cross country last year. Her interests include running, watching Broadway musicals, working at Pepe's and hanging out with friends. Chantelle's future plans are to attend Penn State University to earn a master's degree in food science.

Teen of the month is freshmen Tyler Krah, a son of Chuck and Michele Krah, of Mount Carmel. Tyler has previously won the Elks Teen of the Month Award and the Junior High Pride Award. He is involved in the art club, was in the cast of the spring musical and is a member of the track team. In his free time he likes to further his art skills, spend time with friends, and watch musicals. He loves theatre and plans to be involved in the school play throughout his high school years. His future plans are to attend college to become a forensic chemist.

The junior teen of the month is seventh-grade winner is Ryan Green, a son of Barb Green, of Locust Gap, and Randy Green, of Ashland. Ryan is a distinguished honor roll student and recently won the junior high pride award. He participates in marching and junior bands, swim team, Envirothon, chess club, and boy scouts. Ryan's interests are reading and playing video games and his future plans are to become an architect.

BEAVERDALE - Family and friends will honor the late Joseph Zanella by finishing a veterans memorial project the former Mount Carmel Township supervisor began years ago.

A bronze plaque will be affixed to a brick structure already in place at the Beaverdale Fire Co., near the Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.

Zanella never served in the military himself, but had a deep respect for veterans and active duty personnel, said his brother-in-law, David Skocik, a Vietnam veteran and retired military. Zanella's father and other relatives served, and he intended for the memorial to honor their memory and that of other local veterans.

The project started eight years ago. Money was tight within the fire company, according to current Chief Bill Ahrensfield. Three years later, Zanella was diagnosed with cancer. Treatments taxed his energy and limited his commitments. He died March 20.

"I told him I was going to finish it one way or another," said his widow, Sheila, while standing near the memorial Saturday.

About $2,500 has been raised so far. Another $5,000 is sought. Funds will be used to purchase the plaque, already on order, and be used towards lighting, landscaping and cleaning pavers already in place. A portion of the funds will be kept for upkeep.

The plaque is to read: "In tribute to all generations of area veterans in all conflicts who have served our great nation with honor, commitment and pride." It will include etchings of the five service symbols and a bible verse, Isaiah 6:8, "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.'"

A public dedication is planned for 10 a.m. July 4 at the fire company.

Contributions can be made to the Veterans Memorial Fund at UNB Bank, Mount Carmel, c/o Sheila Zanella, 844 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, PA 17851.

Fire company members and members of Cedar Lodge 378 Free and Accepted Masons, Mount Carmel, are assisting. Skocik is appealing to the public, especially local veterans organizations, to help, too.

"We wanted to get this done for Joe," Skocik said.

MOUNT CARMEL - The springtime Oak Street Festival was blessed with summertime weather, and it seemed just fine by the hundreds who attended.

Temperatures creeped near 80 degrees, and the sun shined strong enough to leave bare arms and necks pink if the unprepared went without sunscreen.

"This is the first time in seven years where you'd consider we have perfect weather," said Warren Altomare, a member of the Mount Carmel Lions Club, which organized the festival the past 18 years.

Handmade jewelry, artisanal soap and decorative wreaths were among the wares offered by vendors.

The food, as often is the case, was a hit. New to the festival were Abir's Kebab, offering an array of delicious Mediterranean food, and Blazing Swine Barbecue.

Youth dancers from Motivation Station, 215 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, performed a hip hop dance routine. The opening act was therapy dogs from the Susquehanna Trail Dog Training Club showing off their obedience skills.

Proceeds for the Lions Club are used to support its many programs, including holiday meals program, eyeglasses for the needy and upkeep and upgrades to the Wightman Dam on Route 61 between Mount Carmel and Centralia.

MARION HEIGHTS - Two motorists were rushed to the hospital Sunday night following a crash on westbound Route 54 near the Mount Carmel Cogen plant.

Jonathan Morgante and Robert L. Kratzer were each being treated late Sunday in the Emergency Room of the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, according to a nursing supervisor.

Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Tomtishen said Morgante, 30, last known address of 739 Ash St., Apt. C, Kulpmont, was driving a Mitsubishi Eclipse in the passing lane toward Natalie shortly before 7 p.m. He cut into the right lane and struck a Mercury Montego driven by Kratzer, 56, of 1263 1/2 Market St., Sunbury.

The Montego's front end collided with the Eclipse's passenger side. Both vehicles sustained severe damages and were towed.

Charges are pending further investigation.

SHAMOKIN - Federal inmates will work with local volunteers to clean up the Shamokin Cemetery and sidewalks in the city's downtown.

Twenty inmates were requested from the satellite camp of the Federal Correctional Institution-Schuylkill, Minersville, to work in the cemetery Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday along Independence Street.

Inmates will assist in mowing and trimming cemetery grass, clearing overgrown gravesites, and resetting toppled headstones. They'll sweep sidewalks and business entryways downtown.

The cleanup is spearheaded by Jeffrey Fromm, a member of Shamokin's planning commission and a retiree of the federal prison system. He and retired law enforcement also volunteering will supervise the inmates, along with providing transportation. City police will provide traffic control, and the street department will collect trash, Fromm said.

Federal inmates had assisted in Shamokin cleanups three times prior, Fromm said, including last spring.

A cemetery tour is planned for noon May 23 during the 2015 Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts.

The Shamokin Cemetery officially opened in 1860, according to www.shamokincemetery.com. There are more than 16,000 interments and entombments in the five mausoleums on site, the website states.

MOUNT CARMEL - A vacant storefront could be made lively again through the efforts of a community non-profit.

Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. plans to open The Shops on the Corner at Oak and Fourth streets next month. There are 12 spaces inside the former Dollar General building available for rent to entrepreneurs.

"We want to encourage them to come out and give it and shot and see if they can make a go of it," said Ed Fegley, of Mount Carmel Downtown Inc.

Merchants are sought for the 12-by-12 foot spaces - food, jewelry, crafts - but so are professionals like hair stylists, accountants and computer repairmen. Anyone interested in the spaces, including potential customers, are invited to a public meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the store, 100 S. Oak St.

Cathy Welker Besser, of the Academy Sports Center in Mount Carmel, said up to six people have already expressed interested in leasing a space.

"We've needed something like this for a long time," Besser said. "I'm hopeful it snowballs."

The building is owned by Joe and Sharon Gushen, of JAG Housing. It once housed J.C. Penney for 60 years. Dollar General took over in 1994 and has since left for a larger building. After a few potential ventures fell through, the Gushens agreed to lease the 7,000-square-foot space to the non-profit group.

Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. has a yearly lease for the building's first floor. Vendor spaces will be available for rent month to month. The long-term goal, Fegley said, is for the small businesses to grow and potentially move into other standalone storefronts.

"This isn't a money-maker for us. It's really about giving someone the opportunity to open a business," Fegley said.

A separate space at the rear of The Shops on the Corner will have room for up to 40 people, and will be available at no charge to other non-profits groups for training sessions or presentations. A projector and screen will be installed. Donations of banquet tables are sought.

Besser and Fegley say The Shops at the Corner will be open on Saturdays initially, and potentially one weeknight. From there it depends on customer demand. They hope to capitalize on foot traffic to the borough's Saturday morning farmers market just outside the front door.

For more information on The Shops at the Corner, call Fegley at 570-339-5383, Besser at 570-556-9851, or Judy Polites at 570-339-5572, or visit Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. on Facebook.

SHAMOKIN - Police are looking for a city couple accused of robbing their neighbors of electronics and other household items valued at an estimated $2,000.

Hito Romero, 44, and Megan Holohan, 34, both of 45 S. Fifth St., Apt. 3, are wanted on felony counts of burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property. Charges were filed Thursday by Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

Police say the alleged burglars used a shared fire escape to access a window at neighboring Apt. 4 between 11 a.m. April 16 and 4 a.m. April 17. The pair are shown on video surveillance exiting the building with the stolen items, according to a criminal complaint. A second male was also involved, but his face is obscured in the video.

Witnesses told police they were approached by Romero and Holohan offering electronics for sale.

Police used a GPS feature to track a stolen PlayStation 3 to a South Market Street address. An unidentified woman at the residence told police a friend gave Romero and an unidentified male accomplice two fentanyl patches, which is a prescription pain reliever, in exchange for the gaming console. The initial asking price was $40, but the witness said she didn't have the money.

A second witness said she met Holohan on Independence Street downtown to look at a television she offered for sale. The witness told police Holohan admitted it was stolen, causing her to balk at a purchase.

Among the items stolen were PlayStation 3 and 4 consoles, as well as a handheld PlayStation Vita, Xbox 1 and 360 consoles, Nintento Wii U console, Vizio televisions size 37-inch and 42-inch, a Hisense TV, and a MacBook Air.

Additional charges are pending further investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-648-5708.

The following landlord/tenant claims or judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Leonard and Cindy Popewczak, of Shamokin, awarded $1,108.75 on May 4 from Tiffany Haddock and Brandon Brown, of Shamokin.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Twin Management, of Mount Carmel, awarded $3,864.70 on May 5 from Stephanie and Jason Issermoyer, of Mount Carmel.

Bridge club open to all

ELYSBURG - Bridge play at Ralpho Township Public Library ended in a four-way tie with the following partners, Alice Pensyl and Dave McCormick, Sharon Leisenring and Elizabeth Johnson, Nancy Booth and Mina McCormick and Jay Leisenring and Cory Kramer.

All are invited to play bridge from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the library. Bob Reed, of Shamokin, also provides some instruction before play begins for those interested in improving their skills.

Call the library at 570-672-9449. There is no cost to join the group.

Program on health care planned

LEWISBURG - Susquehanna Valley Progressives will present a free public forum, "Beyond ObamaCare: America's Health Care," from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Union County Library, 255 Reitz Blvd.

Dr. Arno Vosk, a retirement emergency physician and former faculty member of Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, will discuss the downfalls of the current health care system and how, even under the Affordable Care Act, individuals are still uninsured and health care pharmaceutical and medical corporations are making exorbitant profits off of America's sick.

Vosk is now a volunteer medical examiner for Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Network, based in Cambridge, Mass., and an adviser to the Penn Human Rights Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Susquehanna Valley Progressives is a nonpartisan organization.

Soroptimists to meet

SUNBURY - The Soroptimist International Club of the Snyder, Union and Northumberland Counties Inc. will hold its regular monthly dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at The Packer House, Third Street. Installation of new officers and induction of new members will be held.

The club is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Any person who is interested in volunteering and becoming a member to contact any club member or by calling Diane Savidge at 570-837-2532 or dmsavidge@gmail.com.

SUNBURY - There are competitive races in next Tuesday's primary for commissioner, judge and district attorney in Northumberland County, but two other county row officers are on the ballot, too.

Kevin P. Gilroy, incumbent county treasurer, is running unopposed in the Republican primary. There is no Democratic candidate on the ballot. Gilroy was elected to the position for the first time in 2011, after having been appointed to the post in July 2010 to fill a vacancy.

Sheriff Robert Wolfe is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Wolfe took office as acting sheriff in January 2014 when former Sheriff Chad Reiner resigned. Wolfe was confirmed to the office in June 2014 by the state Senate. There are no Republicans on the ballot.

Eight candidates are running in the primary for county commissioner - five Democrats and three Republicans, with two to be nominated in each party. Candidates are: Kym Best, George Zalar, Tom Aber, Myron Turlis and Nathan Savidge, Democrats, and Samuel Schicatano, Rick Shoch and Michael Millett, Republicans.

There are three candidates for two judgeships. Hugh A. Jones, H. Robert Mattis Jr. and Paige Rosini cross-filed in both parties.

Ann Targonski and Tony Matulewicz are running for the Democratic nomination for district attorney. Targonski was appointed to the position following the resignation of Tony Rosini, who was named to fill a vacancy on the county court. There are no Republican candidates on the ballot for district attorney.

At the top of the ballot are wide-open races for state judgeships.

Justice of the Supreme Court (three seats): Democrats, David Wecht (Allegheny County), Christine Donohue (Allegheny County), Kevin P. Dougherty (Philadelphia County), John Henry Foradora (Jefferson County), Anne E. Lazarus (Philadelphia County) and Dwayne D. Woodruff (Allegheny County), and Republicans, Correale Stevens (Montgomery County), Anne Covey (Bucks County), Rebecca Warren (Montour County); Mike George (Adams County), Cheryl Allen (Allegheny County) and Judy Olson (Allegheny County).

Judge of the Superior County (one seat), Alice Beck Dubow (Philadelphia County) and Robert Colville (Allegheny County), and Republican, Emil Giordino (Northampton County).

Judge of the Commonwealth Court (vote for one): Democrats, Todd Eagen (Lackawanna County) and Michael Wojcik (Allegheny County), and Republican, Paul Lalley (Allegheny County).

Otherwise, there are contested races in just a handful of municipalities in eastern Northumberland County and for the Mount Carmel Area School Board:

Coal Township commissioner: Four Democrats are on the ballot, but three will be nominated. The candidates are George Zalar, Gene A. Welsh Jr., Bernie Rumberger, all incumbents, and Peter J. Long.

Mount Carmel Township supervisor: Two Democrats, Bruce Facer and Aaron Domanski, are on the ballot, with just one to be nominated to be on the general election ballot. Neither is an incumbent.

Mount Carmel Area School Board: Because school board candidates are eligible to cross-file, the same six candidates are on both the Democratic and Republican tickets. The candidates are James P. Britt, Jessica M. Delaney, Robert E. Muldowney Jr., Brian Shurock, Michael Scott Venna and John Laughlin. Laughlin's death on April 15 came too late to have his name taken off the ballot. In the event Laughlin wins the primary, a substitute nomination certificate will be sent to the respective political party inviting the party to nominate a substitute to fill the ballot vacancy.

WILLIAMSPORT - An attorney representing seven employees of Northumberland County weatherization department has requested a federal judge to issue a temporary injunction to prevent county commissioners from eliminating the program June 30.

The request was filed Friday by Attorney Michael Zicolello, of Williamsport, in federal court in Williamsport. The case has been assigned to Judge Matthew W. Brann, of the U.S. District Court in Williamsport.

Zicolello said the injunction is being requested because it is unlikely a lawsuit filed May 1 by the weatherization employees against the county and Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy will be resolved by June 30.

The suit claims Clausi demanded department officials to perform services for a relative and friend who did not meet requirements and when employees tried to report the issue, the commissioner cut the department.

The suit was filed by Dwayne Scicchitano, Pamela Bollinger, Robert McAndrew, David Yakoboski, Barry Schweitzer and Jim Bressi. A seventh weatherization department employee, Albert Benedict Jr., initially chose not to sue, but according to Zicolello, Benedict changed his mind and decided to become part of the suit, which needs to be amended to include his name.

In another new development, AFSCME Local Union 2016, which represents the weatherization employees, plans to file an unfair labor practice suit with the state Department of Labor and Industry against the county, Clausi and Bridy.

Commissioners voted 2-1 April 7 to close the department and transfer services to SEDA-COG, effective June 30. Commissioner Richard Shoch dissented.

At that meeting, Clausi cited lower administrative costs as the motive for the move, which he said had been in the works for some time.

TREVORTON - Pipes have gone dry in six Zerbe Township residences as the township struggles to remain afloat on collecting past due sewer payments.

At Monday's meeting, township supervisors confirmed the property owners had their water shut off last week as part of a collaborative effort with AQUA PA to collect more than $100,000 in delinquent sewer payments.

The six properties that were shut off will be condemned according to building code, which rules buildings without water uninhabitable. Supervisors granted residents of the affected properties ten days after their shutoff date to find other accommodations.

The properties will be visited May 18 by a code officer and a police officer and any residents will be told to vacate the premise. Residents are allowed to return to retrieve personal items, but cannot stay overnight.

This is the first round of shutoffs for the township, but supervisors said the program was already showing success. Nine property owners targeted and notified of the impending shutoff paid off a total of $17,170.20 in delinquencies, said supervisor Michael Mazer.

More than $40,000 has been collected since The News-Item published a list of delinquent accounts in March, Mazer said.

Supervisors agreed to begin the process on customers owing more than $1,000 while reserving the right to dip below this threshold. The first round of shutoffs targeted property owners owing more than $1,500.

The code office and police department will also begin issuing citations for high weeds and grass. Police Chief Robert John said he already aware of six or seven properties in violation of the ordinance and will be sending letters.

Residents are reminded the grass height limit is six inches.

Supervisor Gene Geise was absent from the meeting.

In other news:

- Supervisors added a $50 security deposit to all pavilion rentals that will be returned to renters who abide by the rental rules.

Mazer said the security deposit was necessary because renters have not been cleaning up after themselves and have been breaking other rules. Supervisors polled the approximately 10 residents in attendance for a recommendation on the amount before voting 2-0.

- The Trevorton Community Yard Sale will be held June 6.

- A low bid by Meckley's Limestone Products Inc., of Herndon, to pave sections of street near the foundry was approved at a cost of $44,601.30. Only one other bid was received.

An optional second section of paving will not be completed because no combination of bids for both projects came below the township's $50,000 budget.

CATAWISSA R.R. - Unlike last year, staffing will remain the same at Southern Columbia Area School District as it prepares to pass its 2015-16 operating budget.

On Monday, the district's school board passed a proposed final budget, a $20,117,674,07 spending plan, on a 7-1 vote. The budget will be open for a 30-day examination period by the public and must be passed by the district on June 30.

Earlier in the meeting, superintendent Paul Caputo said staffing will remain at its current level, a far cry from last year when the district had to furlough three teachers to make its 2014-2015 budget.

This year, expenditures are up $1.3 million while revenue is up $924,000 to $19,711,261.13.

The budget leaves Southern with a $406,000 deficit which business manager Charles Mannello proposes to fill with money from the district's unassigned fund balance.

"We currently have approximately $700,000 in the unassigned fund balance and $800,000 in the assigned fund balance. Even if we use the money to eliminate the deficit, we still have $1 million in the bank," Mannello said.

Under the Act 1 tax index, property taxes will increase 1.05 mills ($32 increase) for residents in Columbia County and 1.39 mills ($35 increase) in Northumberland County.

Director Charlie Porter cast the lone dissenting vote, due to the fact the board has not seen a proposed athletic fund budget yet.

"In the past, we have normally given a payment of $285,000 to the athletic fund, and now in our budget, the payment is proposed to be $326,000," Porter said. "There is no justification for the increase."

Mannello said that the board will have the athletic fund budget by the June 4 finance committee meeting and that they will continue to work to try to balance the budget further to lower the amount needed to be taken out of the fund balance.

Voting for the budget were directors Joe Klebon, Thomas Reich, John Yocum, Michael Yeager, Kaye Keller, Charlene Cove and Gail Zambor Schuerch. Director Timothy Vought was absent.

In other business:

- The board approved to continue the pay-to participate fee of $50 per student for the 2015-16 school year, and the list of activities that are subject to the fee.

Activities listed are all varsity and JV sports, ski club, Drama Club, Jazz Band, Musical and choral director activities, and bandfront. A change this year was to add Future Business Leaders of America to the exempt list.

- A resolution was adopted for the Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech to approve a bond refinance and continue a leasing agreement for the school. This agreement must be approved by all seven schools with the vo-tech.

Superintendent Paul Caputo said that if the bond refinancing goes through it will mean a savings of $10,000 to the district.

- Resignations were accepted for part-time paraprofessional Cindy McHugh, bus drivers Marie Bartholomew and Alan Langelli, technology education teacher Joshua Grozier, and head field hockey coach Tricia Hoffman.

- A new two-year employment agreement, through 2017 was approved for athletic director Jim Roth, at an initial salary of $28,000.

- Appointments made at Monday's meeting included naming Charlene Cove as board treasurer for an annual stipend of $240, which she asked to donate to the music program; Richard J. Roberts as school solicitor at a rate of $105 an hour and Tresa Britch as board secretary from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2018, at an annual salary of $3,000.

- Britch was also asked to send a notice of reasonable assurance of employment for the 2015-16 school year to non-instructional employees and substitutes employed less than 12 months.